“CHARLTON MAD.”

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1924, Page 2

“CHARLTON MAD.”

SYDNEY CELEBRATES.

SYDNEY. July IS

The victory of Andrew Charlton in the 1500 metres swim at the Olympic Games was responsible for remarkable scenes in Sydney and Manly, the seaside suburb where Charlton was horn. To state that the victory was received in an enthusiastic manner would he hut poorly to describe the tumultuous maimer in which Sydney welcomed the Hews. Sydney's hopes went up and down as the result of the boats, and the effect of Barg’s record-smashing swim was reflected in the saber faces of the p-taple. Sydney takes these Filings verv seriously.

There were many, of course, who lielie veil Charlton would account for h rival in the final, despite the times in the heats, and excitement was at lever heat oil Tuesday night. Newspaper offices were besieged by inquiries throughout, the evening. One enterprising journal (the “Daily Guardian”) hit on an excellent idea for broadcasting Charlton’s win. The cables with the results did not reach Sydney until after 2a.m. daily, sometimes 'being a.s late as fi.JO a.in., and with the object of satisfying in some mamter the eagerness of Charlton’s hosts of anxious admirers, the newspaper arranged to fire marine rockets from the roof of its building if he had done wlint everyone hopedo—won the race.

The nummnccincnt of the scheme was made at all the city and suburban theatres oil Tuesday night, the promise being made that at •’! a.in., if Charlton won, three icckets would he fired.

Thousands of Charlton's admirers waited up for the signal, and they were not disappointed. The rockets were fired, and the result was broadcasted by means of wireless. Wednesday became something in flic nature of a holiday at Manly, for tlnee of their representatives had done so well. Winter, the fireman athlete. who broke the world’s record for the hop, .step, and jump, is stationed at Manly; Eve. who won the high diving is resident there: and “Boy” Charlton, of course, is the local idol. Manly will give him anything he asks when he returns.

As a matter of fact, enthusiasm is so high in the “Village.'’ a.s the Manly people term it. that a meeting has already been held to decide on the form of gala welcome to he nccoi (led the local Olympic representatives on their return. Tf Charlton’s head is not turned before he leaves the other side of the world. Manly is determined to make a certainty of ii. His wonderful time was the sole topic of discussion in the city all day long, and the whole place went Charlton mad.